1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
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Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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Labradors are often more energetic and bred for hunting, retrieving, and service work, whereas goldens are prized for their patience, friendliness, and trainability.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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Inspired by the tradition of the divine feminine, the energetic space captivates with colors, abstract wall art and a goddess sculpture done by the dynamic sister artist duo’s mother.—
Spencer Whaley,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Missouri Republican lawmakers late Thursday voted to advance a new, gerrymandered congressional map despite hours of fiery public testimony against the proposal.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
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As the mystery unravels from multiple POVs, Alex’s kooky aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan) is revealed as the orchestrator of the tragedy — her fiery orange hair, nimble fingers, ghostly face and wicked crimson smile a memorable image that haunts the narrative.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The inclusion highlights Taiwan’s growing reputation in short-form and animated cinema.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
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During the trial, after Cardi took the stand to deliver her testimony, several of her impassioned exchanges with the plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Perhaps, like Elizabeth in the face of Darcy’s insult, Austen would also be prompted to spread spirited gossip about her heroine’s doubters and haters.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
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The beloved cookbook author, who goes by the cheeky nickname @grossypelosi, has brought every bit of that high-spirited vibe to his new cookbook, Let's Party.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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While in La Latina, its winding medieval lanes overflow with lively tapas bars and local chatter.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That spunky spirit lingered into the nineties and early two-thousands.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
2 Sep. 2025
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Months away from becoming an octogenarian, Neil Young remains as spunky, fearless and outspoken as any major artist of his generation — let alone those who followed.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Royster recalled her animate Catholic teachings and love of Pope Francis’s vision for the church and the prophetic role to hold the government accountable.—
Olivia Cyrus,
Sacbee.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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If the story is slight, the development of the characters through the songs’ lyrics and the performances of them animate and elevate the proceedings.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Miller is passionate about empowering others by providing information on the connection between physical health, lifestyle choices, and mental well-being.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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